At first glance, this looks like a sweet capture of a sea gull and a sea horse along the shoreline - possibly almost maternal. However, the video belies that thought, demonstrating the focus on 'survival of the fittest'. Like the year 2013, this scene ended on a different note than when it began...and cycles transparently into the next year.
Ending my sixth year of 365 photos...and not sure that I will continue in the same vein, as time priorities seems to be taking me on a different route (did not finish off particularly well this year either - my apologies to Flickr buddies for lack of commenting, too!). As well, neither my photos nor my writings have grown over the last couple of years and thus, meaning has been lost. My photography efforts will not be abandoned entirely, of course, but I will seek a different, as yet undetermined, path. Who knows - maybe with the 'pressure' off, I will post more frequently and photograph with more technique and diversity!?! ;)
Stay safe on New Year's Eve - celebrate judiciously in welcoming the new year! Cheers to 2014!
Central Ave & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
12.31.13
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
12.25.13
Christmas day can be exhausting for a golden who loves to open packages, be they hers or someone else's...believe me - this was a rare moment! :) Madison was visiting from NJ - her host, Chance, didn't seem to give a hoot about all the 'hoopla' ;). Naples, FL
12.24.13
Sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico - imagine the perspective from the paddleboarder! 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, December 21, 2013
12.21.13
It is taking awhile to get the tree ready for the holidays. Bought a couple of weeks ago, it rested outside for awhile. Once inside, it took a couple more days to get the lights strung. Now still waiting for the ornaments, the tree is beginning to take a festive appearance. Naples, FL
One step at a time is good walking.
~ Chinese proverb
Friday, December 20, 2013
12.20.13
The antler headband, jingle bell bracelet, and "Woman" Christmas pin were left on the vanity after being worn. Little did I notice, until the shot was processed, that the headband and bracelet resembled Rudolf himself with that big red nose (jingle bell). :) On another note, if you are not familiar with Designs by Lucinda, take a moment to read her story...inspiring! Naples, FL
12.19.13
Another night of volunteering at Naples Botanical Garden's Night Lights and this quick photo break brings one of the glowing ball lights on in the lily garden with great reflections of the both the light and the palm tree. Another large crowd tonight - spectacular! The lights go on, but my next volunteer stint isn't until after Christmas - good thing - as much as I enjoy the experience, there's way too much to do yet for holiday preparations. Hopefully, I can get back on my own time as well with the Canon to try some true photography! Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
12.18.13
Opening night of Night Lights at Naples Botanical Garden and after my three hours of volunteering, there was time for a quick shot at the Thai Pavillion. A record 1100 people enjoyed the lights, musical entertainment, lawn games, letter-writing to Santa, food and a leisurely walk. With temperatures in the mid 60's, it couldn't be much better. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
12.17.13
Seasonal colors for this time of year, but not in the form of the traditional holiday flower. Still, the remaining blossoms offer cheer! Naples, FL
12.16.13
Soldiers guard the 3rd St Christmas tree - wonder what good they would be if someone really wanted to steal it?! ;) For me, I'll just 'steal' a shot! 3rd St & 13th Ave N, Naples, FL
12.15.13
Similar to a shot taken seconds earlier, this one is amplified by the flying foam of the waves splashing against the wood pilings. [No worries - using a long lens so the camera was nowhere near the salty moisture!] Though a distraction, it can also be viewed as an enhancement - maybe a little festive snow!?! :) Imagine the positive value of distractions - of course, it will likely prevent the check off of many 'to do' lists - but it may reap other benefits. :) 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, December 14, 2013
12.14.13
Capturing the essence of the Marco Island Christmas parade isn't easy with its diverse entries. Yes, there were the usual bands, Shriners, and dignitaries...and, of course, the candy toss. This parade also had about 15 Corvettes decorated in their finest, representation from many churches and yacht clubs, and ... snow (well, sort of!). :) San Marco Dr., Marco Island, FL
12.13.13
What can you say? Sadness envelops the human heart as yet another tragedy unfolds at a school shooting...and nearly one year after Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT, this one at Arapahoe HS in CO. In many Southeastern countries, bamboo represents much more than a simple stalk. Lessons to be learned and remembered in this time of grief and incredulity (from Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen):
1. Bend but don't break. Be flexible yet firmly rooted.
2. Remember - what looks weak is strong.
3. Be always ready.
4. Unleash your power to spring back.
5. Put wisdom in emptiness
6. Commit to (continuous growth).
7. Express usefulness thorough simplicity.
Naples, FL
Thursday, December 12, 2013
12.12.13
Green has transitioned to dull brown and the sky's blue has faded as well - moving into mid-December. Our winters reflect only subtle changes but the significance is still impressive. Funny how 'relative' makes 'meaning'...Naples, FL
12.11.13
Taxi, anyone? Rather than hanging out for passengers, this one is a resident of this parking spot as an interesting artifact and crowd pleaser. 12th Ave S & 8th St, Naples, FL
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
12.10.13
Fill the frame became a slice of camouflage - not just one but two bees (the shadow sure gives away one of them!) invaded the lens space... Nonetheless, it brightened my day. Naples, FL
Monday, December 9, 2013
12.09.13
Flying high - looks like fun! :) There were many planes criss-crossing our skies today and it was noticeable as our annual 9th grade Geography Geocaching midterm got underway outside under the blue and (ahem) mid 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With the deep freeze settling in most of the United States, we tried not to complain about the heat! ;) I imagine more of those planes will be flying south for some warmth. Naples, FL
Sunday, December 8, 2013
12.08.13
Flickr has been one of my favorite sites since I first discovered it in 2006. As a very amateur photographer, I was reticent to post and share my photographs. The beauty of the site and the welcoming communities made Flickr a natural for me to move into participating in nearly six years of 365 projects, developing similar projects with my students, meeting people all over the world who have become close Flickr buddies, and developing an awareness/appreciation of visual literacy for thousands through the use of Creative Commons licensing.
Flickr has made changes over the years and some were certainly welcome. The most recent changes, however, have been problematic for me. I have watched as some of my Flickr buddies leave Flickr altogether, while others have split their photos, time and energy among various sites making it difficult to stay connected. I fear Flickr's current direction for change may significantly impact the reason for many Flickr communities to stay viable. Thus, my day of protest. Thanks to muffet68 for bringing to my attention. There's also a petition to sign here!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
12.07.13
Not an official Pearl Harbor remembrance, but the tropical bird always reminds me of Hawaii and thus, the connection. With the passing of years, there are very fewer survivors still living and there are more terrible tragedies to remember and recognize. The date which will continue "to live in infamy" will undoubtedly keep its place in the history books even if it doesn't get memorialized publicly each year. Naples, FL
12.06.13
Our Town production by the Naples Players at the Sugden Theater was quite unique...with plenty of audience participation (yours truly even had a speaking role!). The value of community theater is representative of the messages in the story - daily appreciation of our 'ordinary' lives. Though it was not the joyful and cheery message expected during this holiday season, it served its purpose nonetheless! :) Naples, FL
12.05.13
A little bit of thryallis shines golden in our unusual warmth...as much of the nation remains in a deep freeze! Naples, FL
12.04.13
Southwest Florida's response to the 'deep freeze' up north/out west...fall tomato crop ripening up in the warmth of the sun. Egads - that will only bring more tourists and snowbirds!! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Culinary Garden, Naples, FL
12.03.13
Helped get the Entrepreneurship class to their field trip this afternoon - yep, Harley Davidson offered their business and marketing expertise to our students...as well as a ride on the simulator! Nothing beats the authentic experience when learning! :) Pine Ridge Rd & Whipporwill Ln, Naples, FL
12.02.13
White vinca and purple mona lavendar plants patiently awaiting their final destination in a yet-to-be-purchased planter. Not exactly Christmas colors, but they will last beyond the holiday season! :) Naples, FL
12.01.13
Foggy morning to start the day and offer a mysterious cloak to the beach joggers. Naples, FL
11.30.13
So fresh and relaxed, this water chesnut flower exemplifies my demeanor after a few extra days off work! :) Naples, FL
11.28.13
Thanksgiving brings out the yummy fresh cranberry sauce. If I'm hosting (as this year), the menu is anything but turkey and traditional pies - this year garlic shrimp and key lime pie, along with herbed lentils & rice, roasted tomatoes, cranberry sauce, and peas! Always thankful! :) Naples, FL
11.24.13
Always hard to resist the blue sky/contrast photo - pretty rough around the edges! :) Naples, FL
